Alternator Failure Warning
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
Alternator Failure Warning
I wrote a while ago about my alternator failing on a recent trip. I don't recall getting any indication on the instrument panel that there was a problem. The truck just died on the interstate and would not start again. It was obvious that the battery was completely run down. Shouldn't the battery light come on immediately after the alternator fails and shouldn't there be enough juice in the battery to allow the engine to run a few miles?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
Yes, Yes.
I would check for a blown bulb, possibly a blown fuse or broken wire in the Alt. harness. You can usually check the warning lights by turning the key to the on (not start) position. With the key on and the engine not running, you should see the bat/alt warning light. (Some say "GEN").
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 1
From: No.Va.
Since you don't know when the alt. started failing,you did run on battery power for a while.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,860
From: Frederick, MD
yup, do the quick check with the key in run position and see if the light shows. That is the self check.
As for the running on battery power for awhile. I suspect you ran 10-20 miles on before it was gone.
Everything is electircal dependant nowadays. Fuel system is your biggest draw. Can't run like the trucks of 30 years ago.
As for the running on battery power for awhile. I suspect you ran 10-20 miles on before it was gone.
Everything is electircal dependant nowadays. Fuel system is your biggest draw. Can't run like the trucks of 30 years ago.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
Thanks for the responses! I checked the instrument lights with the key in the ON position and the battery light does come on. So that must be OK. I was about 900 miles into my 2000 mile trip so there is a good possibility that I just didn't notice the battery light, especially if it would have only been on for about 20 miles. That particular stretch of Texas interstate had an 80 mph speed limit.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Brunswick, Maryland
Nobody mentioned the amp gauge. It should have shown that the alternator had quit. I look at my gauges when I'm driving.
Trending Topics
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 421
From: Long Island USA
I don't think any year of SD had an amp gauge. VOLTAGE gauge, yes. Which would show low if the alt is not charging.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
